Description: The 2008 Lotus World Music and Arts Festival brings international music and art to downtown Bloomington.

The 2008 Lotus World Music & Arts Festival features: more than 25 performing artists from around the world -- from Mongolia to Mali. Lotus happens in the heart of Bloomington, at venues scattered within walking distance of the square. Ticketed events: Thursday's "Nordic Realms" concert; Friday-Saturday night showcases at 8 venues with multiple performances; Sunday's World Spirit Concert ($5, or free with Lotus pin). Free events: Lotus in the Park (with live performances, workshops, and arts), Lotus parades on Friday and Saturday.

Participating artists: Ray Bonneville (Canada / U.S.), detektivbyrån (Sweden), Sogbety Diomande’s West African Drum and Dance Company (Côte d’Ivoire), Etran Finatawa (Niger), Etugen Ensemble (Mongolia), Julie Fowlis (Scotland), Frigg (Finland/Norway), Funkadesi (U.S.), Marta Gómez (Colombia / U.S.), Bill Harney & Paul Taylor (Australia), James Hill & Anne Davison (Canada), Gaida Hinnawi (Syria), Little Cow (Hungary), Lo Còr de la Plana (France / Occitan), March Fourth Barching Band (U.S.), Mucca Pazza (U.S.), La Musgaña (Spain), New York Gypsy All-Stars (Macedonia / U.S.), Pistolera (U.S.), Reelroad (Russia), Solas (U.S. / Ireland), Son de Madera (Mexico), Jayme Stone & Mansa Sissoko: Africa to Appalachia (Canada / Mali), Vieux Farka Touré (Mali), Waltz with Me (Norway, Canada, U.S., Sweden), The Wilders (U.S.)